Irish America

April May 2013 Issue

Joey From Scranton: VP Biden’s Irish Roots

By Megan Smolenyak, Contributor

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It’s well known that Vice President Joe Biden spent his early years in the very Irish city of Scranton, Pennsylvania. But what about his ancestors? Genealogist Megan Smolenyak, who also traced President Obama’s Irish roots, has delved into the Vice President’s family tree and unearthed a few surprises. How can you not love a name like Finnegan Biden? I find it charming when … [Read more...] about Joey From Scranton: VP Biden’s Irish Roots

The First Word: The Emigrants’ Flame

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
April / May 2013

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The First Word, by Patricia Harty. “Cuimhnígí ar na daoine ar tháinig sibh.” (Remember the people from whom you came.) – Irish America Hall of Fame motto It’s that time of year when everyone is a little bit Irish, and a good time to reflect on the very special relationship between Ireland and Irish America. I remember as a young immigrant how wonderful it was to discover … [Read more...] about The First Word: The Emigrants’ Flame

Vice President Joe Biden: Statesman & Everyman

By Niall O'Dowd, Founding Publisher
April / May 2013

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Vice President Joe Biden is suddenly the most popular politician in Washington. On the fiscal cliff he galloped to the rescue and cut the deal with Senator Mitch McConnell, and now on gun control he is defying the conventional wisdom again and getting real traction behind his recommendations. He has met with the NRA, Walmart, and every major gun constituency, forcing a dialogue … [Read more...] about Vice President Joe Biden: Statesman & Everyman

Brian P. Burns: Art Collector & Benefactor

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
April / May 2013

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Brian P. Burns, grandson of an Irish immigrant, is a nationally regarded business executive, attorney and philanthropist. He is the chairman of BF Enterprises, Inc., a publicly owned real estate holding and development company. The fifth of seven children born to John J. Burns and his wife Alice, Brian traces his roots to County Kerry and is a graduate of Harvard Law School, … [Read more...] about Brian P. Burns: Art Collector & Benefactor

Robert M. Devlin: Businessman & Philanthropist

By Sheila Langan, Deputy Editor
April / May 2013

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For Bob Devlin, the combination of natural business acumen, strong family ties and Irish roots has proven unbeatable. Today, at 72, he is chairman of Curragh Capital Partners, a New York-based investment firm that – between its Irish-inspired name and the fact that he founded it with his eldest son, Michael – embodies his central values. Devlin was born in Brooklyn in 1941 to … [Read more...] about Robert M. Devlin: Businessman & Philanthropist